Blacksmith Scene
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Blacksmith Scene is an early example of the Kinetoscope process, shot in Thomas Edison's Black Maria studio. It is historically significant as the first Kinetoscope film shown in public exhibition (May 9, 1893) and remains the earliest surviving complete motion picture. This silent black and white film ran for 36 seconds, showing three blacksmiths (portrayed by Edison employees) crafting a tool and later partaking in a cool drink. It was directed by William K. L. Dickson.
In the early days of cinema, directors typically recorded everyday events such as the arrival of ships or workers leaving a factory. These short films were called "actualities." Later, with the advent of better equipment (which could record for longer), directors began to introduce more complicated narratives into film.
Blacksmith Scene is one of the earliest extant films, and has been selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.